Complete Story
10/19/2005
OSA and OCGA Applaud Unanimous House Passage of Biofuels Legislation
Contact:
Jamie Mossbarger, Director, Legislative Affairs, Ohio Soybean Association
Ph: 614-476-3100 E-mail: jmossbarger@soyohio.org
Tadd Nicholson, Programs Director, Ohio Corn Growers Association
Ph: 740-382-0483 E-mail: tnicholson@marion.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 5, 2005
COLUMBUS, OH The Ohio Soybean Association and the Ohio Corn Growers Association applauded the unanimous (94-0) passage of Substitute House Bill 245 (Sub. H.B.245) today by the Ohio House of Representatives. The legislation is sponsored by State Representative Steve Reinhard (R-Bucyrus) and is also supported by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Central Ohio Clean Fuels Coalition.
The bill is expected to increase the production and availability of soy biodiesel and ethanol in Ohio. It will create state grants to support development of refueling facilities, including those for publicly accessible retail, fuel terminal and distributor equipment. It will also provide grants to cover most of the remaining incremental cost of the fuel for government-related fleets such as school districts. And the state of Ohio would be required to use minimum percentages of soy biodiesel and E85 in existing state vehicles.
"Sub. H.B. 245 will provide a tremendous boost to availability and use of biodiesel and E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline). Making, within a few years, these biofuels real choices, not just for government fleets, but for consumers statewide," said OSA President Jeff Sollars."
In late May, farmer leaders for both OSA and OCGA testified in support of the bill before the House Transportation Committee chaired by Rep. Reinhard.
"The Biofuels Bill is extremely important to anyone wanting to see a stronger ethanol and soy biodiesel market in Ohio" said OCGA President Keith Houts. "I commend the work put forth by Representative Reinhard and thank Speaker Husted for his full support of the legislation."
Senator Larry Mumper (R-Marion) has introduced a companion bill in the Senate that is expected to hold committee hearings in the near future.
The Ohio Soybean Association and the Ohio Corn Growers Association, governed by each organizations' respective volunteer farmer boards, are dedicated to education and promotion, as well as to uniting producer interest through support of legislative activities beneficial to the Ohio corn and soybean industries.
